The recent spat between Proton and Malaysian trade minister Rafidah Aziz has been interesting. Proton accuses the Malaysian government of not protecting Proton while awarding permits to South Korean manufacturers more than it was supposed to. I read that as possible corruption. The trade minister on the other hand accuses Proton of not being competitive, which I personally think so. So, both Proton and the trade minister’s mud balls hit bulleye.
Whatever the outcome of this mud ball fights, I doubt I will be able to make much out of it since if Proton gets something out of this, that is only one thing – more protectionism which is ultimately bad for free flow of trade.
If Rafidah Aziz gets away, that means as if nothing happens as, if Proton’s allegation is true, more than allowed importation permits will be given away. Possible corruption stays unchecked.
I’m not against protectionism per se. New and small industries perhaps may receive some protection from global competition but Proton has been around approximately two decades now. It’s time for Proton to face external pressure. Furthermore, Malaysian government’s protection on Proton comes at a price; Malaysian consumers is being forced to pay more than they should for car, be it foreign or local.
Of course, the two scenarios are not the only possible result. But whatever it is, let’s hope there will be no increase in protectionism policy and a curb on corruption.
About the mud ball fight, the jury is still deliberating but Proton seems to be winning. Damn, Mahathir, which is Proton’s advisor, still has some power left in his punches!
p/s – paid Malacca a visit the other day and caught a couple wild flowers along the way.
That’s one of them.
